Lost Car Keys - Tips For Getting Back on the Road If You Have No Spare
Losing your car keys can be a stressful and costly experience. There are some things you can do to avoid the worst.
For traditional keys, it is generally quite affordable for a locksmith to make a new one if you have proof that you own the vehicle (registration or title). Key fobs for modern vehicles however they are a different story.
1. Retract your steps
Lost car keys can be among the most stressful situations, especially if you have no spare. You could be in your home and unable to complete things like grocery shopping, or go to work. While this could be a huge inconvenience but it's important to keep in mind that there are several ways to resolve the issue. Follow these simple steps to return to the road in no time.
The first thing you should do when you lose your car keys is retrace your steps. This can help you find them in a matter of minutes, as you'll be able to recall the last place you remembered having them and the place they could have been misplaced. Check any pockets or bags that you may be carrying. Sometimes, a key can be hidden from view. Also, make sure to check out the places you've been recently like bars or restaurants. If you frequent these establishments often, you may want to ask a staff member to determine whether they have an abandoned and found bin.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, ask for help from friends and family. Organize a search party and spread the search out across your neighborhood or in any other places you've visited recently. You can also keep your cool by contacting your family and friends. They can remind you that you are not alone if you lose your car keys.
For modern cars, you will need to contact your dealer or a locksmith to request a replacement. If you have an old-fashioned key, you can get an alternative at a local auto shop. You'll need to provide documentation about your vehicle and the type of key it uses.
Before you go through all of this trouble it's a good idea to make a spare car key and keep it somewhere secure and easily accessible. This way, you won't be worried about losing your car keys in the future. If you don't have an extra set, it's worth investing in an additional set.
2. Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
Some people prefer to hide their keys behind of their car's seat. It's a convenient place to hide them and it's usually at a convenient shin height. It's also where thieves can check for evidence that they believe you have lost your keys.
Another popular hiding place is in the pocket of your coat or jacket. If you didn't put your keys in your pockets, they may be missing from your bag or purse throughout the day. Check the pockets of any clothes you were wearing and also backpacks or bags you carried. It's also an excellent idea to inquire of anyone else who might have seen the keys in for help, like a family member or the clerk at the restaurant where you last eating.
Other places to look for your keys include the bathroom, where you could have thrown keys on the floor while trying to find something else. Look through any drawers, cabinets or counters you may have used to store your keys. If you have tried everything and are still unable to locate your keys, contact your local Lost and Found.
Losing your keys could be among the worst feelings, especially when you don't have spare keys. You'll have to find innovative ways to protect your spare key.
A magnetic hide-a-key is a ideal option as it's small enough to fit into the various compartments of your car, and will not reveal the fact that you have a spare. You can also cut the top of a ball of tennis to create a container for your keys.
Another option to keep your spare keys secure is to give them to someone who lives in the area (if they are able to trust you). They will be able to check your car, and you can be assured that you will not be locked out if you require the extra keys. You can even try leaving your keys with a neighbor while you go on vacation, if you don't mind having them visit to check on your home.
3. Check Your Car's Ignition
It can be a hassle to lose the keys to your car. Not only does it make it impossible to get the location you're supposed to be however, it also takes time and money while you're looking for your keys. Although there is no way to avoid losing your keys, it is possible to reduce the chances of it occurring.
If you have an old-fashioned car key, locksmiths can make an entirely new key immediately. If you have a key that's more advanced, like transponder or fob replacing it will be more difficult. These keys must be matched to your car's computer. In the majority of instances, you'll need to tow your car into the dealership and present documents of ownership before you can get the new key.
If you decide to quit, it's essential that you keep searching. Check all your usual hiding spots, such as your backpack or bag in the event that you carried them when you lost them. Also, be company website to thoroughly search the inside of your car. Check under the seat mats and the black hole inside your car (the space that is big enough to hold a lot of things, but not large enough for you to stick your finger in). Also, make sure to check the console that is between the passenger and driver's seat. You may even consider giving your car a thorough cleaning as well to see if the keys got stuck in a place.
You can also try using an Bluetooth key tracker which is a small device that connects to your keys and emits a signal that you can connect to an app on your smartphone. This will let you know where your keys are, to help you locate them and return to the road. Remember that you should always have an extra key in the event in the event of an emergency.
4. Check Inside Your Car
Car keys are among the most frequent things to lose. They are small, hard-to-see and easily snatched by pets or children as toys. No matter how cautious you are losing your car keys is an unpleasant experience. There are several solutions to this problem.
Retrace your steps. This is essential since it will narrow your search area and increase your chances of locating the person. Be lost key replacement car to check everywhere you've been, including your office, home, and any places you went to during the day. Check all the places you could think of to put your items, including bags, pockets and other small items.
If you haven't already it's a good idea for you to check the ignition of your car. If your car has a keyless ignition or an electronic start button, the key fob may remain in the vehicle. The key fob will emit a an audio signal if the ignition is on.
If you cannot find your keys, call your dealer or locksmith to get an alternative key fob for your vehicle. This is an alternative to using an unauthorized key, which could damage or even cause damage to the lock.
It's not fun to lose your car keys, but there's no reason to be in a panic. If you follow these easy steps, you'll be able to locate your car keys and get back on the road in short time. You might want to consider attaching a Bluetooth tracker to your keys to stop future loss. These devices emit a radio signal that can be connected to an app on your smartphone to locate keys that are lost.
It's been a long, tiring day and you're desperate to go home, put on your sweatpants, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. But you can't find your car keys, and your perfect night is ruined!